Just a few miles from Titusville, a message by the permanent Christmas tree near Fort Christmas Historical Park lends a year-round message of hope.

Written by

Maggie Dickinson
| For FLORIDA TODAY

Besides getting your holiday cards stamped "Christmas," I'll give you two good reasons to visit Fort Christmas this month: visit the 37th annual Cracker Christmas this weekend or come any other day to spend a peaceful, relaxing and educational day with your family.

The main attraction in Christmas is the fort that was built when 2,000 Army soldiers arrived there Dec. 25, 1837. The current fort is a replica and has been reconstructed a short distance away from the original. It houses a museum with interesting history and artifacts from the mid 19th century.